Given the recent events of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Climate Design has taken multiple calls regarding HVAC systems and generators that were either ruined, won’t turn on or are smelling odd when the power turns back on — or, even worse, they’ve flooded. Even though the magnitude of these disasters were extreme anomalies in the way that they hit so close in proximity and time-wise, meteorologists predict more storms will come. Here’s how you can prepare if you know a large storm is heading our way:
Preparing HVAC Systems for a Natural Disaster
The first step is to turn off your HVAC system at the breaker box. While you’ll be without conditioned air, this step will prevent the power surge from hitting your HVAC components when the power comes back on. An HVAC system creates a high power demand when it comes back on. That power surge can damage the internal components of your HVAC system. However, if you have a standby generator, turn off the HVAC system via the thermostat. Different disasters have different protocols.
Flood Disasters and HVAC Systems
Flooding and storm surges differ from other natural disasters. This is due to various variables. While one HVAC system may sit at ground level, another may be elevated. Also, it depends on how high the storm surge gets. Again, if you’re in a flood watch or warning area, we recommend that you turn off the HVAC power at the breaker level. If your system does sustain water, it’ll need a deep cleaning at the very least. However, if moisture causes damage to the components, you’re most likely looking at a replacement. The better news is that it may just be the outside unit. Again, this depends on if the floodwater got into your home and/or ductwork. If so, this could easily turn into a microbial growth issue, so it’ll also need replacing. If it’s saltwater, you could be looking at rust eventually.
Given that Florida has been hit multiple times, there have been many cases where claims have been denied because the water levels didn’t reach the indoor air handling units. So, this portion was denied in some cases, but not all. Again, it depends on where the water level is and how much damage there is. You can read this appeal decision.
As a homeowner, you’ll most likely want both of your units to match in make, model, etc. So, get a professional to look at it. Climate Design will come out and take a look to give you our expert opinion. You may be able to make these units work okay if they’re the same brand. Mini-splits are similar in that the outside unit could be damaged if water got into the unit. However, if floodwater did not reach the indoor unit, you may be able to have the lines cleaned. While there are some variables to all of this, it’s best to have the HVAC experts at Climate Design come and inspect what needs to happen for your home or place of business.
What to Do About a Flood Reaching Your Generator
If your standby generator isn’t elevated and you live in a flood plain. Check your address here and turn off your generator at the breaker. Make sure that you keep debris away from your generator. Inspect your lines, air filters, spark plugs and oil levels. Many people were caught off guard during Helene given that their generator hadn’t run in a few months or even years. If you’re unsure how to do this, call Climate Design or get on one of our maintenance plans so that we can service your standby unit at a regular interval.
First, if you are being evacuated, turn everything off at the breaker level and leave. If you’re staying, please know that you may not always be able to check your fuel level. Don’t worry about this. You can do so via a mobile app or once the storm passes. The main thing is to keep you, your family and your pets safe during a storm or flood.
If flood waters reach your standby generator, it will likely need replacing. If storm surge or flood waters only reach the bottom portion of the cabinet, and the unit was turned off at the breaker, it may still be okay once everything dries out. Call Climate Design to do a generator system check before turning it back on for use.
On another note, if you’re using a portable generator, don’t use it indoors. This is extremely dangerous and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and even death.
Getting Your System Replaced by FEMA or Insurance
To get FEMA help, the Governor must declare a state of emergency. Once that happens, a few things happen. First, it enables government officials to take extra measures to protect the public. Second, the President of the United States must declare the area a major disaster area. The President will also activate an array of Federal programs to assist in the response and recovery effort.
In the case of Hurricane Debby, Helene and Milton, all three prompted state of emergency orders in multiple states. The affected counties in our area are:
- Alachua.
- Baker.
- Bradford.
- Brevard.
- Broward.
- Charlotte.
- Citrus.
- Clay.
- Collier.
- Columbia.
- DeSoto.
- Dixie.
- Duval.
- Flagler.
- Gilchrist.
- Glades.
- Hamilton.
- Hardee.
- Hendry.
- Hernando.
- Highlands.
- Hillsborough.
- Indian River.
- Lafayette.
- Lake.
- Lee.
- Levy.
- Manatee.
- Marion.
- Martin.
- Miami-Dade.
- Monroe.
- Nassau.
- Okeechobee.
- Orange.
- Osceola.
- Palm Beach.
- Pasco.
- Pinellas.
- Polk.
- Putnum.
- Sarasota.
- Seminole.
- St. Johns.
- St. Lucie.
- Sumter.
- Suwannee.
- Union.
- Volusia.
If you’re wondering if FEMA will help recover some of your cost to replace your HVAC system, it depends. You must file a claim first, and you can do that here for Helene or here for Milton. You can call 800-621-3362 to apply or download the mobile app, which can also be found at the link shown above.
FEMA may also allow you money for a standby generator. Cases that are approved must deal with medical equipment that is needed, which includes refrigeration for medication. Insulin is such a medication that qualifies. You must also submit documentation from a medical services provider stating that the equipment is medically required. This may be waived if a disaster such as Helene has occurred and you’ve been without power for a significant timeframe. FEMA will review all cases and make a decision.
Locations for Florida Disaster Recovery Sites
You can also stop by the Disaster Recovery Centers throughout Florida. Given that FEMA is still actively working on three disasters within Florida, these centers are located here:
Suwannee
Gilchrist County Fire Station #2
460 NW County Road 138
Branford, FL 32008
Sunday through Saturday from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Tuesday from 1 P.M. to 7 P.M.
Hale Park Area
215 Duval St. NE
Live Oak, FL 32064
Citrus
West Citrus Community
8940 W. Veterans Dr.
Homosassa, FL 34448
Sunday through Saturday from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Tuesday from 1 P.M. to 7 P.M.
Columbia
Lake City Reporter
180 E Duval St.
Lake City, FL 32055
Sunday through Saturday from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Tuesday from 1 P.M. to 7 P.M.
Madison
The Bridge Church
1135 E. US 90
Madison, FL 32340
Sunday through Saturday from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Tuesday from 1 P.M. to 7 P.M.
Taylor
Loughridge Park
1100 W. Hampton Springs Ave.
Perry, FL 32347
Sunday through Saturday from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Tuesday from 1 P.M. to 7 P.M.
Manatee
GT Bray
5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W.
Bradenton, FL 34209
Monday from 1 P.M. to 7 P.M.
Tuesday to Wednesday from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Sarasota
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium
801 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
Sunday through Saturday from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Tuesday from 1 P.M. to 7 P.M.
Pinellas
Botanical Gardens – Magnolia Room
12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774
Sunday through Saturday from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.
When you apply, you will need several documents:
- Address.
- Email.
- Phone.
- Social Security Information.
- Banking Information.
- Insurance Information.
FEMA will assign an ID to your case. You can login to check the status of your application at any time. If you qualify, FEMA will deposit a check into your bank account or send it via mail.
Given that FEMA will not cover what insurance covers, you should file a claim with your insurance first. Please note that most homeowner policies do not cover flood damage. Typically, that type of coverage is covered by flood insurance by the National Flood Insurance Program. Although, check first just to make sure. If your insurance won’t cover your HVAC unit, then FEMA may cover your cost or at least a percentage of your replacement. FEMA will require an inspection of your property.
To file a claim, you must do so before the application deadlines, which are:
October 7, 2024 for Hurricane Debby
November 27, 2024 for Hurricane Helen
December 11, 2024 for Hurricane Milton
Get Started and Call Climate Design for an Inspection
If you have experienced damage to your HVAC system or standby generator, give Climate Design a call, text or email us. At the very least a service technician can come and inspect your system and let you know what type of damage you have and what next steps should be to get it repaired or replaced. Also, we can give you the paperwork that you need to follow-up on your claim if necessary.
